Hello all, I am new to this forum. But wanted to thank you for some good posts that are on here already. I was looking for answers but didn't see any that would be for this fiscal year...


I am interested to see what types of bonuses are available to first time Marine recruits. I ask this because I saw that DoD increased the bonus money available to recruits to nearly 90 million, up from 60 something last year.

What I am curious about is if anyone knows what MOS's this is for. Is there a guarantee of shipping bonuses for certain times of the year? Any information would be helpful, as I am trying to help out my younger cousin who is considering joining.


I am currently in the Air Guard, but have been trying for a Commission in the Army. I know a little about those branches but need some insight from those "in the know" for the Marines.

I am asking here because when I brought up the discussion to the recruiter that my cousin is going through he stated that he wanted kids who want to be Marines and not those interested in bonuses.

While I agree it should not be the motivating factor in joining, I feel that we should all be able to "get ours". I am just looking for some insight on this, in my experiences both Air Force and Army, I was given information about the bonuses I was qualified for without asking, it seemed strange to have the bonuses out there and not have the recruiter mention them in any positive light. If the DoD and the top level Marines feel there should be bonuses why is it so hard to find out about them?


Again thank you for your help on this, and I apologize for my long post.

Ask Gunny, it seems that your more interested in money that for the right reasons.

The money isn't for me, I'm not the one joining the Marines, its my cousin. My biggest concern for him is 1 getting a guaranteed job and 2 getting everything that is available for my cousin. I would never ask him to join another branch, or to do anything else that he doesn't want to do. I'm simply looking out for his best interests which would include getting some extra money.

As I stated in my post I am trying for a commission in the Army, I have my packet and conditional release right now. I am loosing out on 20K by doing this, so trust me I am not someone who is motivated by money in choosing my career goals. Instead I am looking to do the best I can for my family. If this is wrong then I am sorry but I'll gladly be wrong.

Bonuses change from (annual) quarter to quarter. So, unless you or your friend give an intention of entering the USMC on a specific date for a specific job, then the recruiter really can't tell you. Yes, there are some MOS's that ALMOST always offer a bonus....ALMOST, so the recruiter is reluctant to even provide that information to many potential recruits. You probably have a very cautious recruiter that won't (because he can't) guarantee anything until you give him a job skill you'd be interested in and a time frame of when you'd like to enter the service. THEN, he can talk money.

I suggest that you (or your friend) talk to the recruiter first about your interest-- i.e. you'd be interested in becoming a crypto-linguist or a jet mechanic. The recruiter will probably respond to something like that with "well, if you agree to a 5 year contract and join before the end of the year, there is a bonus of..."

Hope that helps you out.

Thanks patoloco, my cousin is only 17 still, he wants to be a jet mechanic and eventually a pilot, but has to get corrective surgery once he turns 18 and can't ship till 6 months after its over.

Like I said before I am not the one joining, I am already in the military, and switching from Air Guard to Army (officer), so honestly I am just trying to help someone out.

I do sincerely appreciate your help though. This will come in handy when it comes time to have him sign everything. Thanks again.

Sure. As far as jet mechanic....I think we have one here, I'll let him comment on that job. My dad was one, but I doubt his experiences in the 1960s have any relevance to you today.

TimmyC
Jet mech during my career. Give your cousin the link to here and get him online with us.

I would echo what Patoloco said about the enlistment bonuses.

I have never seen a USMC jet mech that went on to be a pilot. Not saying it hasn't happened, just that I didn't see it occur during my career. I have performed complete engine tear down and build up of countless jet engines, ran them on test cells, installed them in the airframes, low and high powered them, had a high speed taxi license, (enlisted can't get those anymore) even had back seat rides in F-4's, but never had the desire to be a pilot.

timmyc, first let me say I am sorry for mis-understanding your post, I should have read it instead of glossing through it fast. I have seen a lot of post talking about just the dollar end of service, again Iam sorry for my comment, and I commend you for your concerns for your cousin.